In the past, gambling was only available at brick-and-mortar casinos and racetracks. But the internet revolution changed all that. Today, players can place wagers on online casino games and sports betting from the comfort of their own homes. But is it legal to gamble online? In this article, we’ll take a look at the different laws that regulate and deter online gaming. We’ll also discuss the steps that are being taken to bring online casino play to more states. So, let’s get started!
Is Online Slot Gambling Legal?
While the number of states with legal online casinos has increased since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, the progression has been much slower than for sports betting. Nonetheless, some states are making progress in this area, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which opened up their markets in 2022. These two states joined Nevada and Delaware, which were ahead of them, in allowing residents to wager on casino games, poker, and sports from a mobile device.
Massachusetts is another state that hasn’t yet legalized online casinos, but that could change in the near future. However, it’s important to remember that real-money gambling sites are not legal in the state, so you should stick to sweepstakes or social (free-play) casinos if you want to gamble online in Massachusetts.
Arkansas and Mississippi have both made it legal for residents to gamble at online casinos, although there are limitations on how much they can spend. Both states have a single licensing agency that oversees the industry, and Mississippi has a maximum wager limit of $500 per month. In addition, there are restrictions on which types of games are allowed to be played at online casinos in the state.
Alabama remains one of the most restrictive gambling jurisdictions in the country, with its state constitution banning lotteries and all forms of gambling. While various legislative efforts have been introduced, none of them have gained traction. Nevertheless, Alaska residents can still enjoy gambling at international cruise ships and in some land-based tribal casinos.
New York is another state that has not legalized online casinos, but efforts have been underway in recent years to change this. In the meantime, New Yorkers can gamble at a few in-person casinos.
Utah continues to ban all forms of online gambling, but that could eventually change as well. A constitutional amendment would need to pass in order for the state to allow iGaming, and several legislative proposals have been introduced over the years without any traction. However, the state has recently passed legislation to allow sports betting at its many tribal casinos.